U.S., Canada Agree to Collaborate on Health Care for Indigenous People
HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson on May 14 signed an agreement with Canadian Minister of Health A. Anne McLellan to collaborate on a project intended to improve health services and access for indigenous people in Canada and the United States. Meeting at the World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, Thompson and McLellan signed a Memorandum of Understanding that calls for the two nations to exchange information and personnel, as well as set up workshops, seminars and meetings focusing on the issues relevant to the health of Alaska Natives and American Indians in the United States and First Nation and Inuit people in Canada. Officials from both countries also will develop a plan to address financial health management systems, telemedicine, chronic disease, health support for indigenous people, coordination with outside agencies and strategies for health care delivery. "This is an important step in coordinating international health efforts on behalf of underserved, indigenous populations. Sharing the knowledge and expertise of our two countries enriches and enhances our efforts to deliver quality health care services, and raises the health status of Indian people in Canada and the U.S.," Thompson said (HHS release, 5/14).
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